Multi-directional and multi-planar dominoes

ABSTRACT

A domino game having domino game pieces that include double-sided tiles having pips provided on a front surface and a back surface, and a plurality of slots or grooves at peripheral longitudinal and lateral edges thereof that permit, during game play, connection to other game tiles. Such a connection between game tiles permit multi-directional and multi-planar configurations during game play.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate to a domino game having domino game pieces comprising tiles having a rectangular cross-section. Each game piece is double-sided with indicia, dots (pips) provided on a front surface and a back surface, and also with a plurality of slots or grooves at peripheral longitudinal and lateral edges thereof that permit, during game play, connection to other game tiles. Such a connection between game tiles permit multi-directional and multi-planar configurations during game play.

BACKGROUND

A set of dominos generally include a plurality of tiles of generally rectangular cross-section. On a single face or surface of each tile, a line is laterally extending line is provided at the center of the tile to divide the tile into two sections. Each section is provided with indicia such as dots (pips) or without pips. The back surface of each tile is generally unmarked and has no relevance to game play. During game play, individual tiles to contact open ends of other tiles in a single (e.g., horizontal) plane in order for each player to accumulate points.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a set of dominoes, in accordance with embodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively illustrate a front view and a rear view of a domino tile, in accordance with embodiments

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a domino tile, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a connection between two domino tiles, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a connection between three domino tiles, in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of playing of playing dominos, in accordance with embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments, a set of dominos 10 comprises a plurality of game pieces configured as tiles 20 of rectangular cross-section. Embodiments, however, are not limited thereto, and may encompass other types of geometric cross-sections that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. Each tile 20 may be provided with a color, such as, for example, shades of blue, green, red, yellow, orange, and combinations thereof. Embodiments, however, are not limited thereto, and may encompass other colors will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. Each tile 20 may be composed of a material that comprises at least one of metal, wood, polymer, composite(s), and combinations thereof. Embodiments, however, are not limited thereto, and may encompass other types of materials that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. In accordance with embodiments, each tile 20 should have a width that permits the tile 20 to be supported on a surface on lateral or longitudinal sidewalls thereof.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each game piece is double-sided with a front surface (FIG. 2A) and a back surface (FIG. 2B) both marked with indicia. Such indicia may include, for example, a line 21 that extends laterally at a geometric center of each tile 20 and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tile 20 line to demarcate or otherwise divide the tile 20 into two sections 20 a, 20 b. Each section 20 a, 20 b is designated with either a blank or dots (pips) 22, 23. The pips 22, 23, for example, may have a numerical value of one to six. Embodiments, however, are not limited thereto, and may encompass other numerical ranges, designations (including, for example, alphanumeric designations) that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. Accordingly, each section 20 a, 20 b is to be assigned a numerical value, for example, from zero to six, whereas a value blank section 20 a, 20 b has a value of zero.

In accordance with embodiments, each tile 20 is provided with a plurality of slots or grooves 24 through 29 at peripheral longitudinal and lateral edges thereof. In the illustrated example, each tile 20 is provided with six grooves. For example, a first longitudinal edge of each tile 20 is provided with a first longitudinal groove 24 at the first tile section 20 a and a second longitudinal groove 25 at the second tile section 20 b. On an opposite, second longitudinal edge is provided a third longitudinal groove 26 at the first tile section 20 a and a fourth longitudinal groove 27 at the second tile section 20 b.

A first lateral edge of each tile 20 is provided with a first lateral groove 28 at the first tile section 20 a, and a second lateral groove 29 at an opposite, second lateral edge of the second tile section 20 b. Embodiments, however, are not limited to six overall grooves, and thus, may encompass an overall number of grooves that falls within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. The grooves 24 through 29 thereby permit, during game play, connection to other game tiles to permit a player to accumulate points. Such a connection between game tiles permit multi-directional and multi-planar configurations during game play.

FIGS. 4 and 5, during game play, tiles 20 are to be removably connected, linked, or attached to each other in accordance with a common suite.

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration 30 in which a first tile 31 (having a suite of 1-1) is connected to a second tile 32 (having a suite of 6-1 or 1-6) sharing a common same suite (e.g., “1”). In the configuration 30, the first tile 31 extends in a first plane 33 that is horizontal or substantially horizontal, whereas the second tile 32 extends in a second plane 34 that is vertical or substantially vertical. Accordingly, the first tile 31 and the second tile 32 extend in planes 33, 34 that are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other.

The illustrated connection between the first tile 31 and the second tile 32 is formed at a groove at the lateral edge of the second tile section 31 b (of the first tile 31) and the longitudinal edge of the second tile section 32 b (of the second tile 32). In the illustrated example, the first tile 31 may be connected to the second tile 32 at either the first longitudinal edge, the second longitudinal edge, or the second lateral edge that collectively defines the second tile section 32 b in which the common suite “1” is designated. For example, a player may connect the first tile 31 to the second tile 32 at the second lateral edge of the second tile section 32 b such that the first tile 31 and the second tile 32 extend in planes that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other (not illustrated). This provides a player with a variety of options in which to form a construction during game play.

Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration 40 in which a first tile 41 (having a suite of 1-1) is connected to a second tile 42 (having a suite of 6-1 or 1-6) that shares a common suite (e.g., “1”), and a third tile 43 (having a suite of 6-2 or 2-6) is connected to the second tile 42 that shares a common suite (e.g., “6”). In the illustrated configuration 40, the first tile 41 extends in a first plane 44 that is horizontal or substantially horizontal, the second tile 42 extends in a second plane 45 that is vertical or substantially vertical, and the third tile 43 extends in a third plane 46 that is vertical or substantially vertical. Accordingly, the first tile 41 and the second tile 42 extend in planes 44, 45 that are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, the first tile 41 and the third tile 43 extend in planes 44, 46 that are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, and the second tile 42 and the third tile 43 extend in planes 45, 46 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

The illustrated connection between the first tile 41 and the second tile 42 is formed at a groove at the lateral edge of the second tile section 41 b (of the first tile 41) and the longitudinal edge of the second tile section 42 b (of the second tile 42). The connection between the second tile 42 and the third tile 43 is formed at a groove at the lateral edge of the first tile section 42 a (of the second tile 42) and the lateral edge of the second tile section 43 b (of the third tile 43).

In the illustrated example, the first tile 41 may be connected to the second tile 42 at either the first longitudinal edge, the second longitudinal edge, or the second lateral edge that collectively defines the second tile section 42 b in which the common suite “1” is designated. For example, a player may connect the first tile 41 to the second tile 42 at the second lateral edge of the second tile section 42 b such that the first tile 41 and the second tile 42 extend in planes that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other (not illustrated). Alternatively or additionally, a player may connect the second tile 42 to the third tile 43 at the first longitudinal edge or the second longitudinal edge such that the first tile 41 and the third tile 43 extend in planes that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other (not illustrated) and the second tile 42 and the third tile 43 extend in planes that are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other (not illustrated).

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 50 of playing dominos, in accordance with embodiments. The tiles, such as, for example, those illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, may be collected (e.g., in a bag, a box, container, or a support surface) to form a “blind pile.”

Process block 51 involves drawing at least one tile from the blind pile of a plurality of tiles.

Process block 52 involves creating a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration by connecting a drawn tile to another drawn tile having a same numerical suite. The connection is to be formed at grooves of corresponding tiles.

Accordingly, each player is to draw an initial tile. The total numerical value of pips for each selected tile is counted, and the player having the highest numerical value is to start the game by placing a tile on a support surface, thereby creating a base. Each player is to select five tiles, after which the player having the highest numerical value starts the game by laying the first tile. Players are to accumulate points based on the number of connections made with a single tile.

Due to the tiles having a plurality of grooves, each player has an opportunity to connect the tiles in way which forms multi-directional and multi-planar configuration. In accordance with embodiments, a player may form chain of tiles having between two to six connections, each given a name or designation. During game play: (i) a connection formed between two tiles having a common suite may be called, for example, “cue two,” (ii) a connection formed between three tiles having a common suite may be called, for example, “see three,” (iii) a connection formed between four tiles having a common suite may be called, for example, “score four,” (iv) a connection formed between five tiles may be called, for example, “high five,” and (vi) a connection formed between six tiles may be called, for example, “kick six.”

If a player is not able to make a connection using the tiles in their hand, a tile must then be drawn from the blind pile. Upon making a connection, a player must draw a tile from the blind pile. The tiles that form the already constructed multi-directional and multi-planar configuration cannot be moved to form other connections. Game play continues until the blind pile is depleted and one player has used its remaining tiles. Alternatively, game play may also end when a numerical point tally (agreed upon prior to beginning the game) is reached by a player.

Alternatively or additionally, embodiments may encompass variations within the rules and/or gameplay that fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. As an example, players (e.g., during a game having two players) may continue to play (and build) using their own piles until they are unable to make another play. As another example, the players may match corresponding tile colors instead of numbers.

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND EXAMPLES

Example One may include a domino game apparatus, comprising: a tile including at least one longitudinal groove at peripheral longitudinal edges thereof and at least one lateral groove at peripheral lateral edges thereof, each at least one longitudinal groove and at least one lateral groove being configured to receive a corresponding groove of another tile to permit connection to one or more tiles in a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration.

Example Two may include the domino game apparatus of Example One, wherein the tile comprises: a front surface and a back surface; and first indicia providing on the front surface and the back surface, the first indicia including a line to extend laterally at a geometric center of the tile, to thereby divide the tile into a first tile section and a second tile section, the first tile section and the second tile section being provided with a blank designation or second indicia including pips of numerical value in a range between one and six, wherein the second suspension members each comprise: an outer cover member; and at least one web of elastic material received by the outer cover member, and which permits the seating member, when in the suspended position and occupied by at least one user, to move in a vertical plane and a lateral plane with respect to the suspension point.

Example Three may include the domino game apparatus of Example Two, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a first longitudinal groove at a first longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a second longitudinal groove at the first longitudinal edge of the second tile section.

Example Four may include the domino game apparatus of Example Three, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a third longitudinal groove at a second longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a fourth longitudinal groove at the second longitudinal edge of the second tile section.

Example Five may include the domino game apparatus of Example Two, wherein the at least one lateral groove comprises: a first lateral groove at a first lateral edge of the first tile section; and a second lateral groove at a second lateral edge of the second tile section.

Example Six may include a domino game system, comprising: a plurality of tiles, each tile in the plurality of tiles including at least one longitudinal groove at peripheral longitudinal edges thereof and at least one lateral groove at peripheral lateral edges thereof, each at least one longitudinal groove and at least one lateral groove being configured to receive a corresponding groove of another tile to permit connection to one or more tiles in a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration.

Example Seven may include the domino game system of Example Six, wherein each tile in the plurality of tiles comprises: a front surface and a back surface; and first indicia providing on the front surface and the back surface, the first indicia including a line to extend laterally at a geometric center of the tile, to thereby divide the tile into a first tile section and a second tile section, the first tile section and the second tile section being provided with a blank designation or second indicia including pips of numerical value in a range between one and six.

Example Eight may include a domino game system of Example Seven, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a first longitudinal groove at a first longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a second longitudinal groove at the first longitudinal edge of the second tile section.

Example Nine may include the domino game system of Example Eight, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a third longitudinal groove at a second longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a fourth longitudinal groove at the second longitudinal edge of the second tile section.

Example Ten may include the domino game system of Example Seven, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a first lateral groove at a first lateral edge of the first tile section; and a second lateral groove at a second lateral edge of the second tile section.

Example Eleven may include a method of playing dominos to be played by two or more players, the method comprising: creating a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration by connecting a drawn tile to another drawn tile having a common numerical suite, each tile including at least one longitudinal groove at peripheral longitudinal edges thereof and at least one lateral groove at peripheral lateral edges thereof, each at least one longitudinal groove and at least one lateral groove being configured to receive a corresponding groove of another tile to permit the connection of the tiles in the multi-directional and multi-planar configuration

Example Twelve may include the method of Example Eleven, further comprising, prior to creating the multi-directional and multi-planar configuration: drawing at least one tile from a blind pile of a plurality of tiles.

Example Thirteen may include the method of Example Eleven, wherein each tile in the plurality of tiles comprises: a front surface and a back surface each having first indicia providing thereon.

Example Fourteen may include the method of Example Thirteen, wherein the first indicia includes a line to extend laterally at a geometric center of the at least one tile, to thereby divide the tile into a first tile section and a second tile section.

Example Fifteen may include the method of Example Fourteen, wherein the first tile section and the second tile section are provided with either a blank designation or second indicia including pips of numerical value in a range between one and six.

Example Sixteen may include the method of Example Eleven, wherein each connection is formed at the grooves of corresponding tiles.

Example Seventeen may include the method of Example Eleven, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a first longitudinal groove at a first longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a second longitudinal groove at the first longitudinal edge of the second tile section.

Example Eighteen may include the method of Example Seventeen, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a third longitudinal groove at a second longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a fourth longitudinal groove at the second longitudinal edge of the second tile section.

Example Nineteen may include the method of Example Eleven, wherein the at least one lateral groove comprises: a first lateral groove at a first lateral edge of the first tile section; and a second lateral groove at a second lateral edge of the second tile section.

The term “coupled” or “connected” may be used herein to refer to any type of relationship, direct or indirect, between the components in question, and may apply to electrical, mechanical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic, electromechanical or other connections. In addition, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein only to facilitate discussion, and carry no particular temporal or chronological significance unless otherwise indicated.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad techniques of the embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the embodiments have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the embodiments should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A domino game apparatus, comprising: a tile including at least one longitudinal groove at peripheral longitudinal edges thereof and at least one lateral groove at peripheral lateral edges thereof, each at least one longitudinal groove and at least one lateral groove being configured to receive a corresponding groove of another tile to permit connection to one or more tiles in a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration.
 2. The domino game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tile comprises: a front surface and a back surface; and first indicia providing on the front surface and the back surface, the first indicia including a line to extend laterally at a geometric center of the tile, to thereby divide the tile into a first tile section and a second tile section, the first tile section and the second tile section being provided with a blank designation or second indicia including pips of numerical value in a range between one and six.
 3. The domino game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a first longitudinal groove at a first longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a second longitudinal groove at the first longitudinal edge of the second tile section.
 4. The domino game apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a third longitudinal groove at a second longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a fourth longitudinal groove at the second longitudinal edge of the second tile section.
 5. The domino game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one lateral groove comprises: a first lateral groove at a first lateral edge of the first tile section; and a second lateral groove at a second lateral edge of the second tile section.
 6. A domino game system, comprising: a plurality of tiles, each tile in the plurality of tiles including at least one longitudinal groove at peripheral longitudinal edges thereof and at least one lateral groove at peripheral lateral edges thereof, each at least one longitudinal groove and at least one lateral groove being configured to receive a corresponding groove of another tile to permit connection to one or more tiles in a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration.
 7. The domino game system of claim 6, wherein each tile in the plurality of tiles comprises: a front surface and a back surface; and first indicia providing on the front surface and the back surface, the first indicia including a line to extend laterally at a geometric center of the tile, to thereby divide the tile into a first tile section and a second tile section, the first tile section and the second tile section being provided with a blank designation or second indicia including pips of numerical value in a range between one and six.
 8. The domino game system of claim 7, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a first longitudinal groove at a first longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a second longitudinal groove at the first longitudinal edge of the second tile section.
 9. The domino game system of claim 8, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a third longitudinal groove at a second longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a fourth longitudinal groove at the second longitudinal edge of the second tile section.
 10. The domino game system of claim 7, wherein the at least one lateral groove comprises: a first lateral groove at a first lateral edge of the first tile section; and a second lateral groove at a second lateral edge of the second tile section.
 11. A method of playing dominos to be played by two or more players, the method comprising: creating a multi-directional and multi-planar configuration by connecting a drawn tile to another drawn tile having a common numerical suite, each tile including at least one longitudinal groove at peripheral longitudinal edges thereof and at least one lateral groove at peripheral lateral edges thereof, each at least one longitudinal groove and at least one lateral groove being configured to receive a corresponding groove of another tile to permit the connection of the tiles in the multi-directional and multi-planar configuration.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, prior to creating the multi-directional and multi-planar configuration: drawing at least one tile from a blind pile of a plurality of tiles.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein each tile in the plurality of tiles comprises: a front surface and a back surface each having first indicia providing thereon.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first indicia includes a line to extend laterally at a geometric center of the at least one tile, to thereby divide the tile into a first tile section and a second tile section.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first tile section and the second tile section are provided with either a blank designation or second indicia including pips of numerical value in a range between one and six.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein each connection is formed at the grooves of corresponding tiles.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a first longitudinal groove at a first longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a second longitudinal groove at the first longitudinal edge of the second tile section.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove comprises: a third longitudinal groove at a second longitudinal edge of the first tile section; and a fourth longitudinal groove at the second longitudinal edge of the second tile section.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one lateral groove comprises: a first lateral groove at a first lateral edge of the first tile section; and a second lateral groove at a second lateral edge of the second tile section. 